Bayelsa Gov Douye Diri Honoured for Outstanding Contribution to Youth , Sports Development at Africa-Europe Sports Awards in Paris

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has been honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Youth and Sports Development Award at the Africa-Europe Sports Awards held in Paris, France, on Monday, October 19, 2026.

The prestigious ceremony, organised by OJB Media Network, brought together prominent political leaders, diplomats, professional footballers, basketball players, athletes, sports administrators and members of the international media to celebrate excellence and recognise outstanding contributions to sports and youth development.

The event provided a platform for celebrating sporting achievements across Africa and Europe, while highlighting the role of sports in youth empowerment, international cooperation and social development.

Governor Diri’s award recognised his contribution to youth and sports development, reflecting the importance of supporting grassroots talent, investing in sporting opportunities and creating pathways for young people to excel at national and international levels.

Awoala Kpunpamo , a UK based Sports Consultant and Director of Bayelsa Football Academy picked up the award

Dignitaries, Football Stars and Sporting Personalities in Attendance

The awards ceremony attracted a distinguished gathering of personalities from Nigeria, France and other African countries, including representatives of government, diplomatic missions and several sporting disciplines.

Among the notable guests were Moses Simon, the Nigerian international footballer associated with Paris FC; Hamary Traoré and Ibrahim Diakité, footballers associated with Paris FC; and Amadou Haïdara of RC Lens.

Other prominent personalities listed among the guests included Yeo Moriba, mother of French football star Paul Pogba; Bouchra Karboubi, the Moroccan football referee; and Mariama Signaté, the former French international handball player.

The gathering also featured Mariane Camara, a boxer from Mali, and Aby Gaye, the Senegalese basketball player, alongside other athletes, sports advocates and distinguished guests.

Political and diplomatic representation was also part of the guest list, which included the Governor of Sokoto State, the Governor of Niger State in Nigeria, a representative of the Nigerian Embassy, and representatives of the Cape Verdean diplomatic mission.

Also listed among the distinguished personalities were Elisabeth Moreno, the French public figure and former government minister, as well as Camélia El Kord, Zohra Kehli, Melissa Diawakana and other guests from the sporting and professional communities.

The event further brought together individuals from journalism, sports administration and public life, reinforcing the international character of the Africa-Europe Sports Awards.

Celebrating Excellence Across Different Sports

Beyond the recognition presented to Governor Diri, the ceremony celebrated achievements across several sporting categories, including football, basketball, women’s sports, sports journalism and inspirational leadership.

Among the basketball honours listed for the event were recognition for Melissa Diawakana in the women’s basketball category, while Mali’s women’s basketball team and Senegal’s men’s basketball team were named among the team award recipients.

Cape Verde’s men’s team was also listed among the award recipients, with Mulumbu associated with the recognition.

Other individuals named in the awards programme included Tatiana Mendes, associated with the Sportswoman of the Year award; Sanaa, recognised in the Women’s Football Icon category; and Clarisse, associated with the Journalism Legacy award.

In sports journalism, Mansour Loum was listed for Journalist of the Year, with Ayo also associated with the award presentation. Kunle was associated with the Resilience Icon Award, while other personalities, including Ahmed Garo, were listed among those connected with the ceremony.

The programme also included recognition of individuals whose work has contributed to sports reporting, women’s participation in sport, team achievement and the promotion of sporting excellence.

Sports as a Tool for Youth Empowerment

Governor Diri’s recognition places renewed attention on the relationship between sports development and youth empowerment. Across Africa, sports continue to provide young people with opportunities for professional careers, education, leadership, discipline and international exposure.

For Bayelsa State, sustained investment in grassroots competitions, sporting infrastructure, coaching and athlete development can help create opportunities for emerging talents and strengthen the state’s presence in national and international competitions.

The award also provides an opportunity to promote cooperation between sporting institutions, governments and private-sector organisations, particularly in developing programmes that support young athletes and expand access to professional sporting opportunities.

Strengthening Africa-Europe Sporting Relations

The Africa-Europe Sports Awards served as a meeting point for personalities from different countries and sporting backgrounds, highlighting the potential of international partnerships to advance sports development.

Through the recognition of athletes, public officials, journalists and sports advocates, the event celebrated the contribution of sports to cultural exchange, community development and international engagement.

Organised by OJB Media Network, the ceremony highlighted the achievements of individuals and teams whose work continues to inspire the next generation of athletes and sports professionals.

Governor Diri’s award represents an important opportunity to spotlight Bayelsa State’s youth and sports development agenda and encourage further investment in the talents and ambitions of young people.

As sports continue to connect communities and countries, the awards reaffirm the importance of recognising leadership, dedication and initiatives that create lasting opportunities for future generations.

Meanwhile, organisers of the Africa Europe Sports Awards, OJB Media Network have been receiving kudos after pulling up a highly successful fourth edition of the awards ceremony that celebrates sports excellence by personalities operating in Africa and Europe .

The Africa Europe Sports Awards is an initiative focused on recognising sporting excellence and celebrating contributions to the development of sports across Africa and Europe.